Reuse Spools: Extension Cord/Rope/Lights Organizer

As far as I have been able to tell by measuring all of the different spools I have around the house, this is UNIVERSAL.
 

RECYCLE YOUR SPOOLS and organize your…

• Extension Cords
• Ropes
• String Lights
• Anything that will wrap around the model

This is not like the other model out there. I printed 3 other models and hated them; here's why:

1. Even the “Universal” models were not universal at all
2. Some needed special (3D printed ) “tools” that I would almost immediately lose
3. Others were so flimsy, I think they were meant to wrap your cord, ropes, or lights… then forget about them and never unwrap them
4. All of the models I tried could not easily adapt to spools with, BOTH diferent  widths AND different sized center holes

So… off to SolidWorks I went to design what I needed: a robust model I can put together, take apart, and change spools as needed by hand, without having to print another model to accommodate different spools.

Here's what the kit includes:

• Top and Bottom plates (top has a handle)
• Center rod to adjust for different spool widths
• Pass-through connectors with ridges that tighten and loosen by hand, to fit all different-sized center holes I have (and I have 60+ Kg of spools from all manufacturers).
• Spacers that work with the connectors to accommodate different-sized spools, allowing you to tighten all the way while keeping the top and bottom plates level/straight.

Here are some videos showing key aspects of the model and things like:

• When to choose spacers
• Large center-holed spool - No need for spacer
• How to put the model together without spacers (for spools with larger center holes)
• How to assemble the model with spacers (for spools with small to normal-sized center holes). NOTE: I didn't record assembling both sides with spacers, but I used the same side spacer on both top and bottom connectors. Not using the same-sized spacer on top and bottom will lead to the model not being very secure. Also, if you need 2 spacers, install the smaller one first.